Chi-Chiz Will Live On Into The New Year, But Not Long After

by Next Magazine

It seems as if the trials and tribulations of West Village watering hole Chi Chiz, reported by Next Magazine and elsewhere, have finally come to an end. After losing a recent appeal against charges by the State Liquor Authority, the owners announced they would be closing the predominantly African-American gay bar for good on January 3, 2011. In a recent e-mail, Chi Chiz attorney Tom Shanahan wrote about the decision and the actions of David Poster, vice-president of the Greenwich Village Block Association and one of the main forces in the effort to shut it down:

“This [closure] was forced but [still] our decision, as we cannot run a business with sustained harassment by the NYPD, as has been occurring. Deputy Inspector Caroli issued twelve summons since March…and all have been dismissed. The time and [cost] of litigating one thing after another—and all of it being dismissed—are too expensive for a private-sector business the size of ours. It is truly sad—and bad for Christopher Street and the LGBT Community. Moreover, it is clear that David Poster and his minions will be whatever they can to chase African-Americans and the transgendered away from Christopher Street and the community. The continuing harassment by these ‘village idiots’ has continued and poses a problem to running a small business. Now they [will] deal with a vacant block on Christopher Street, which has a 50% commercial vacancy rate.” —Dan Avery

To read the entire article click here: Next Magazine

Chi Chiz: Actor turned Activist--- SMH

So on Wednesday March 10, 2010 I had the opportunity to be an activist. With the collection of a petition, letters, and by showing up with my right hand man I was able to stand with about 30 other people who wanted to make sure that the popular West Village bar Chi Chiz remained open. Although some have questioned why this actor decided to turn activist, the feedback did not bother me at all. I understand the importance of standing for something that you want and believe in, here is a copy of a letter that myself and The FUTURE’s Vice President Cornelius Jones Jr. drafted to showcase our individual support in keeping Chi Chiz open.

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March 9, 2010


To Whom it May Concern:

Christopher Street is the heart of the LGBTQ Community around the world and it is a Mecca of expression for many people of color. Today we are standing to show support to the founders, owners, and staff of Chi Chiz which has showcased an overwhelming support of love and camaraderie in the black and hispanic same gender loving community. Chi Chiz is part of a diverse and growing LGBTQ community who advocate for social justice and acceptance of a community of people regardless of race, sex, class and gender. Chi Chiz has helped in building an alliance of communality and commonality between the gay and straight residence of The West Village.

This establishment provides exposure to the many artists who do not have the means or opportunities to showcase their beautiful master pieces any other place in the New York City area. To add, it is marking history for films that have been produced and are being produced on location at Chi Chiz, while never forgetting the success the establishment has given these artists and filmmakers. Works such as Finding Me, Ski Trip and my independent film that I produced Christopher Street- The Series all have been supported and or produced on location at Chi Chiz. There are not very many places in New York City where people of color can go and feel a sense of camaraderie and connectedness. Please reconsider any plans to disband this establishment by looking at this letter of support as a call to preserve a piece of history that is a major part of the black gay and hispanic renaissance, which is very vital to a community of black and hispanic LGBTQ people that is often ignored or forgotten about.

Sincerely yours,

Cornelius Jones Jr.
Dwight Allen O’Neal
Men of The FUTURE